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~Mark~
She looks like an angel sleeping curled in her seat, her features soft and unguarded. I’m glad I made the decision to get her out. The General’s men were scouting the hotel, looking for her all evening. By the time they realized my security head was also missing, it was too late. Abbas doesn’t have a pull with Turkey authorities as in Saudi Arabia. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have left her.
I lean to brush away sweaty strands from her face and she jolts awake.
“Hey.”
Grabbing the armrests, she swings her gaze around, and then settles down into the leather seat.
“Hi.” Her sleepy gaze skims over me as if she was worried something happened to me. My chest warms up from the gesture and squeezes with unnamed emotion.
“You’ve changed?”
I nod.
“How long have we been in the air?”
“Five hours or so. Hungry?”
Cassandra nods, rubbing her lips together.
I motion for the stewardess to prepare us a meal and coffee.
“What happened after I left?”
“General Abbas was distressed about losing you from his sight, but he wished me farewell since he couldn’t do anything about it.”
Her tight smile falls as she looks through the window, chewing her bottom lip raw. Sunlight caresses her skin, but her shoulders hold the weight of the world. I lean my elbows on my knees.
“The trip was a success. Our clients in Saudi Arabia are beyond happy. You’ve done an amazing job. The launch with our franchise partners was a success too.”
She presses her lips in a line, listening to me.
“Don’t let the negative outweigh the positive. Don’t let them ruin this for you.” We both know whom I’m referring to.
“I’m trying,” she rasps as if her throat’s raw. “But my family isn’t going to let me.”
“You’ll have to fight them. Stand your ground. If your in-laws see you won’t budge, they’ll have to concede.”
“How much do you know about me, Mark?”
I recline deep into the seat, regarding her for a moment. How much can I tell her? How much can she take without breaking?
“I’ve done some research on you,” I admit, omitting the whole truth, afraid she might not understand my obsession with her. “I know the facts.”
“Why?” When I stay silent, she huffs in anger. “You’re just like others.”
“Others?”
“People with ulterior motives. General Abbas just reminded me how information and weaknesses can be wielded to seize power.” Her pale eyes are gleaming with suspicion. “What are you going to do with what you know?”ow How
“Nothing.” I dig my gaze into hers with all the seriousness I can muster.
She blinks and looks away.
“The General got under your skin, didn’t he?”
Cassandra stays silent, her chin touching her shoulder as if in comfort.
